Chronic Stress Treatment in Fort Myers, FL

From a biological perspective, humans are hard-wired to have a fight-or-flight response to all external threats. Historically, this was exclusive to predators and other aggressors. Though our modern lifestyle renders this reaction tedious, our bodies still react by releasing stress hormones when under duress. Today, these hormones elevate not as the result of large prey hunting us down, but are signaled by things like work, family and financial matters. Regardless, we still have the same response to these less fatal external stimuli. Normally, when the stressors are removed, our bodies return to their natural states of homeostasis. Chronic stress occurs, however, when those stressors are ever-present. This constant release of stress hormones wreaks havoc on the body, manifesting in a myriad of symptoms including a weakened immune system, weight gain and insulin resistance. For these reasons alone, it's important to address chronic stress proactively.

Better manage how you cope with stress from the help of a healthcare provider in Fort Myers who can provide effective chronic stress treatment. Call (239) 425-2900 or contact Dr. Doreen DeStefano online.

Chronic Stress Symptoms

Stress is actually quite mentally, physically and emotionally impactful on an individual's overall health. Physically, chronic stress symptoms can manifest as lethargy, muscle and chest pain, diminished sex drive, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, sleep disorders and digestive problems. In terms of impairing mental health, stress can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, social withdrawal and impulsivity. Stress can also impair cognitive functions, with symptoms including confusion, impaired concentration, racing thoughts, trouble learning and retaining new information and difficulty making decisions.

To cope with stress, individuals often present with behavioral symptoms. Often changes in appetite can be the first indicators of chronic stress, including both eating too much or eating too little, both of which can result in eating disorders. Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes is also a common behavioral symptom of chronic stress that can lead to addiction and dependence. Chronic stress patients can also experience social withdrawal and a lack of physical activity, including a refusal to go outside, interact with others, and physical states of lethargy and catharsis.

Risk Factors & Causes of Stress

Though individuals vary in their reaction to life events, there are some common risk factors and causes of chronic stress. The most common of these risk factors, mainly because of their constant and recurring nature, are work, school, family, and financial concerns. Major life events that lead to the development of chronic stress include divorce or marital separation, the death of a loved one, illness and chronic pain, marriage, pregnancy, retirement, buying a house and even the holidays or other recurrent social events. As creatures of habit, we can also experience chronic stress from major life-changes such as moving/relocating, entering or graduating from a university and being promoted in or laid off from a job. Chronic stress does not discriminate between negative and positive changes in life, with many of these events triggering the physical symptoms whether they are a constant or one-time presence in an individual's life.

Chronic Stress Treatment

As stressors are constant in our lives, controlling stress is a life-long pursuit, but overcoming stress leads to better health. The first step to seeking treatment for chronic stress lies in recognizing the symptoms. If you feel that you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. Since stress manifests in physical symptoms, your healthcare provider needs to evaluate your symptoms and rule out other medical conditions. If stress is the culprit, your healthcare provider can recommend further steps for chronic stress treatment, including: